Fall Footwear: Cordovan Cap Toe
I’ve found my fall footwear selection, and these could quite possibly be the last pair of boots I buy, at least for a solid 15+ years. Alden is no stranger to making products built to last, and the cordovan cap toe boot they teamed up with J Crew to create is proof. Uppers constructed of Horween shell cordovan, and a set of soles that are probably bullet proof, there’s no reason these won’t grace my future son’s feet some day.
Burnham
Today marks what would be Daniel Burnham’s 164th birthday. I’ve always liked Burnham’s architectural contribution to the world, and as a Chicago native there’s also a pride factor in play. Burnham was born in Henderson, NY and raised in Chicago, where he would spend the rest of his life becoming the father of modern-day city planning. I’ve written about Burnham and several of his works in the past, and make a point to visit his buildings/stations/structures if in a new city where they’re present. Many are aware of some of his more notable buildings/structures, the Flatiron Building in New York, Union Station in both D.C. and Chicago, the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1892 also in Chicago, are some of the front-runners on the list. He was also responsible for the Union Station in El Paso, Pittsburgh & Columbus, the original Filene’s in Boston, the Postal Square Building in D.C., the Ford Building & Majestic Buildings in Detroit, the Marshall Fields Building in Chicago, and the city of Manila, among others which are all equally as impressive. Most of Burnham’s past works are still standing, but as happens all too often, many have met the wrecking ball. Daniel Burnham lived to be 65 years old, and at the time, built the what was the largest architecture firm in the world and shaped how cities would be viewed the world over.
World’s Columbian Exposition
Filene’s Department Store
Lets Get Lost: Chet Baker
If you’re interested in the rest of this beautifully tailored documentary, hit the jump for parts 2 through 12.
Edison and the Kinetographic Camera
On this day in 1897 Thomas Edison set the standard. Edison received the patent for the Kinetographic Camera, what would later become the motion picture camera, thus changing the way we all see film. In hopes to increase some sales on the phonograph (moving picture with sound), an invention Edison also pioneered in 1877, he put together the Kinetographic Camera. He started with capturing a sneeze, and from that day forth allergies would never be the same. Through this medium we could all see moving picture. This story takes its own course and needs little explanation, but innovation is nothing to shy away from and deserves recognition. Thanks Tom.
Heading Uptown: J Crew
J. Crew is at it again, and this time they’re heading north. GQ pulled back the curtain to reveal J. Crew’s new Uptown location. Located at 1040 Madison Avenue, on the site of a former bank, this store has all the bells and whistles that can be found in its Downtown counterparts – the Men’s Shop and the Liquor store. I’m continually impressed with J. Crew’s innovation, strategic expansion and willingness to go-to-bat for the smaller designers. This new store carries all the great collaborations as well as J. Crew classics, and has an aesthetic that’s sure to impress the Madison Avenue crowd. Get in there while the gettin’s good.
(all images via GQ)
Damn The Torpedoes!
“Damn the torpedoes! Go ahead!” – David Farragut on this day in 1864, as he led the Union navy’s successful siege on Fort Morgan, Alabama, shutting down the Confederate stronghold on the Gulf of Mexico.
Farragut’s Flagship Hartford
Italian Style: Gianni Agnelli
Now a lot has been said of the Italians, their style, design, and overall impact on the world of garmentology… Several times a year, we get an all-encompassing peak of Italian style through the lens of Scott Schuman, Tommy Ton, or others shooting at the wide array of industry nonsense that takes place in the boot. During a recent conversation with a native of this land, I was reintroduced to a man who could, and probably should, be credited with setting the precedent for today’s Italian style. Insert Gianni Agnelli. Agnelli was the head of Fiat, and one of Italy’s most powerful personalities. On top of running one of the biggest auto companies in the world, Agnelli was an inspiration to designers and well dressed men the world over. Esquire listed him as one of the best dressed men in the history of the world. Do you remember all those shots of guys wearing a watch over their shirt cuff, yeah, thank Gianni Agnelli for that.
U.S. Military Underwater Truck
During another evening of wandering around the LIFE Archives, I stumbled across these photos of the U.S. military testing a truck’s ability underwater. A few things make these pictures badass, 1. The truck itself 2. The fact that this guy had to use scuba gear to drive 3. The fish 4. That the damn thing actually worked and was able to be driven out.
2010/11 Premier League: Arsenal F.C.
This weekend marks the beginning of 2010/2011 Barclays Premier League and it comes at a perfect time, with the World Cup high finally wearing off. Chelsea FC will surely come out swinging in an attempt to defend their title, employing their hit squad to crush the competition. However, as a proud supporter of Arsenal FC, I’m expecting the Gooners to dominate any adversary that steps on the pitch. Arsenal’s showing in last year’s Premier League was challenging and carried potential, but as the season closed so did their chances of taking in a title, finishing third. Now with the immaculately dressed Arsène Wenger extending his tenure at the helm of Arsenal, along with several World Cup finalist among the talented roster, the Gooners are sure to create some upsets, or at least that’s what my bias is telling me.
Friday the 13th: Krueger Kit
It wasn’t until late this evening that I finally woke up and realized it was Friday the 13th, although being late night may be appropriate in this context. For what ever reason, although totally separate, I always associate Friday the 13th with Freddy Krueger as opposed to Jason – the rightful owner of this association. As a kid I loved to hate Freddy Krueger, but have since begun to think that he may have been on to something. Although Jason had the fix on distressed workwear, had Krueger not been burnt to high hell, that hat, sweater, cone mill denim combo could have been a deadly combo (pun not intended…). Throw this together with a realistic spin, sans knife glove, and you got a kit that’s not half bad.
Or
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Ralph Lauren Ruby
Billy Kirk Belt
Freemans Sporting Club Canvas Pant
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots
Nike Krueger Dunk
